Now the 60-year-old, of Kingshurst, Solihull, plans to splash the cash on a cruise she has booked around the Greek islands in April.

Kath said: "I'm absolutely over the moon.

"I always enter competitions in the Mail and I've called every night this week to enter the Money Mania promotion.

"I was determined to give it my best shot but I was flabbergasted when I got the call saying I had won. The cash will make the holiday even better with a bit of extra spending money."

Kath, who is mum to Dean, aged 38, and Donna, 34, said she will also use the cash to treat her six grandchildren, Ben and Charlotte, both 14, Chloe, 12, Liam, eight, Elle-Mae, six, and six-month-old Deon.

"I love being a grandmother and winning the money will be a great excuse to spoil the grandchildren even more," said Kath, who has been an avid Mail reader for the past 40 years.

Kath said the money might also come in handy when she retires from her job in the maternity department at Heartlands Hospital, where she has worked for almost 30 years.

"I retire in April and I'm planning a big night out with my colleagues to mark the occasion, so if I have any money left by then I could always use it to help the celebrations," she added.

Kath said her husband Alan, a 65-year-old retired Birmingham International Airport worker, was equally thrilled.

"I'm sure he'll do his best to help me spend the money on our cruise," said Kath.